One thing to keep in mind that usually is not mentioned is that antibiotics are put in the IV for a c-section. This increases the risk of thrush, especially in the milk ducts. Therefore, be prepared for that, watch for the signs (intense breast pain while nursing being a big one) and GET HELP immediately for it. To try and prevent it, eat lots of yogurt and take probiotics. That was the problem I had had with the c-section was having thrush. Otherwise, since my incision was under my belly, I didn't have too many problems nursing then again, I was limited to football hold anyway due to my HUGE chest. And have hubby/partner do as much for you as possible. I think the hardest for me was just being able to get out of the bed and they had put so much fluids in me, I swelled up like a freaking balloon. But it CAN work. I had a c-section. My daughter even got an ounce of formula her first day because of low blood sugars, and I had thrush along with tons of other problems. We got through them all and she's now 27 months. The key is knowing that you can do it and not acceptable ANY other alternative. So that means, NO formula in your house, NO bottles even. EXPECT to succeed and you will.

I had an unplanned c-secton with Margo and two things saved our BFing relationship:

1. Sheer determination and stubbornness. I absolutely refused to give up! I never doubted for a moment that I would BF, even when I was hurting and overwhelmed. Keep your thoughts positive! You CAN do it! Millions of women do it every single day with all kinds of obstacles and complications! The nurses helped me try to nurse Margo when I was less than 15 minutes out of surgery.

2. The hospital LC - she came in and spent almost an entire day with me and Margo during my recovery stay, making sure we knew positioning, latching, and feeding tricks that could and DID work. She was wonderful, and it helped me feel more confident and capable. So take full advantage of that kind of help if you have it while you are staying in the hospital. I never had breast pain or cracked nipples or anything, never had mastitis, never had thrush - we never had any problem at all!

As for the other two kiddos, can you prepare them now that they will have to wait and help mommy more until the little one gets a little bigger? Would they understand that?

GOOD LUCK, mama! It will be just fine! You CAN do it.

__________________Smitten mama to & proud creator of Margo Dora, who arrived August 14, 2007.
Expecting our second in early June, 2011.We should remember that if a situation cannot be changed, there's no point in worrying about it. If it can be changed, there is no need to worry about it either, we should simply go about changing it. – His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama

I don't have any advice for you. I had an emergency c-section with my daughter and I totally 100% blame it for the reason BF failed for me too. I just wanted to wish you luck and I hope you can BF with no problems!!